PRESS RELEASE
Homenetmen Central Committee
P. O. Box 80486
Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon
Contact: Vera Parsekhian
Tel: 009611-260117
E-mail: office@homenetmen.org
Web:

8th HOMENETMEN WORLD GAMES
August 1 – 8, 2008
Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan, Armenia – December 18, 2008 (For Immediate Release):

Homenetmen’s (Armenian Athletic Union & Scouts) Central Executive
Committee, the organization’s highest body, announced the creation of
the 8th Homenetmen World Games to be held from August 1 – 8, 2008 in
Yerevan, Armenia.

Held once every four years, the games embody Homenetmen’s spiritual
mantra of `Elevate yourself as you Elevate others’ as members come
from all reaches of the world to compete in the organization’s highest
level of competition.

Homenetmen’s World Games have always been held wherever a Homenetmen
chapter is in existence. For the first time in the organization’s
history, however, the games will be held in Armenia.

Comprising more than just athletic competitions, having the games in
Armenia allows Homenetmen athletes, coaches, organizers, friends,
parents, and supporters the opportunity to embrace their fatherland.
For the first time, Homenetmen athletes will be able to welcome their
cultural being, by competing and interacting with one another on
Armenian soil. Through organized events and general interaction,
Homenetmen members and supporters will be able to experience all of
what Armenia has to offer.

Approximately 700 athletes along with hundreds of supporters, family
members, and organizers will meet in Yerevan; all representing their
individual countries, but coming together under the Homenetmen flag,
truly embracing their Armenian identity.

The competitions will be comprised of the following events:
– Men’s and Women’s Basketball – Open Divisions
– Junior Men’s Basketball – Under 18 years old
– Men’s Soccer – Open Division
– Men’s and Women’s Swimming – Open Divisions
– Men’s and Women’s Chess – Open Divisions
– Men’s and Women’s Table Tennis – Open Divisions

Each of Homenetmen’s regional areas can comprise teams in any of the
aforementioned competitions. Teams and competitors are usually the
picked from the best amateur athletes within each of the regions.
Homenetmen’s World Games allows these teams to come together and
compete in the world arena once every four years.

Opening ceremonies for the games will be held on August 1, 2008 within
Yerevan. The Opening Ceremonies will give the Armenian public the
opportunity to better understand the role that Homenetmen plays within
the Diaspora youth. The Opening Ceremonies will include local and
national dignitaries, governmental officials, an athlete parade, as
well as local and international acclaimed singers and entertainment.
It will conclude with a fireworks display.

During their stay, the athletes, the organizers, as well as their
supporters plan a visit to Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenia Genocide
Monument in Yerevan. During the visit, Homenetmen’s family will have
the opportunity to pay its respect to the 1.5 million Armenians
massacred during the Armenian Genocide.

After the last competition on Saturday, August 8, the Homenetmen
family will once again get together with the Armenian community at its
Victory Gala Ball. Both local and international dignitaries will be
on hand to honor the athletes’ achievements over the course of the
previous week. Awards and medals will be presented. Once again,
local and international singers and entertainment will invigorate the
masses.

Updates to the games and competitions can be found at
up to and throughout the games. Pictures, daily
results, and other pertinent information will be posted daily
throughout the games.

Questions and more information can be obtained by emailing Homenetmen
at office@homenetmen.org.
From: Baghdasarian